Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has prohibited strikes in electricity generation, transmission and distribution services across the state for a period of six months by invoking provisions of the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA), 1988.
The order was issued by the Home (Special Section) Department on May 21.
According to the notification, the prohibition will apply to all establishments of GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, TPCODL, TPNODL, TPSODL and TPWODL, along with any other power generating organisations operating in the state.
The state government said it was satisfied that prohibiting strikes in the sector was necessary in public interest to maintain industrial peace and ensure uninterrupted generation, transmission and distribution of electricity across Odisha.
The order defined “strike” under Section 2(b) of the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act as cessation of work by a group of persons employed in an essential service acting in combination, including concerted refusal to continue work or accept employment. It also includes unauthorised absence from duty carried out under a common understanding among employees.
Exercising powers under Section 3(1) read with Section 2 of the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, the government formally prohibited strikes in the notified services with immediate effect. The order will remain in force for six months from the date of issuance, the notification stated.
The order was issued by the Home Department in the name of the Governor of Odisha.